Express faces growing divide between volume growth and profitable growth

The global express and parcels market grew 5.8% in 2025, to €577.3bn ($642.6bn), but mounting pricing pressure, shifting trade flows and intensifying competition are creating a growing challenge for carriers seeking to turn higher volumes into profits.

The recent Global Express & Parcels 2026 report by Transport Intelligence predicted that the market would reach €609.1bn this year and €760.1bn by 2030, representing compound annual growth of around 5.7%.

Asia Pacific, which in 2024 overtook North America as the largest regional market, is forecast to expand at an annual rate of 8% between 2026 and 2030, while North America is expected to grow 4.1%, and Europe by 3.6%, with several major carriers in mature markets experiencing revenue declines.

DHL Express told The Loadstar international cross-border express, particularly time-definite services, remained a growth engine for the group, although its premium proposition was not suited to every B2C shipment.

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